Request a Home Screening FIT Kit

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a safe and painless at-home colorectal cancer screening test that checks for tiny amounts of blood in the stool (poop) that you cannot see. This blood could be caused by polyps, abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, that can turn into cancer over time. There are often no warning signs. Finding and removing polyps early increases your chance of preventing colorectal cancer or detecting it early when it is most treatable.

Do I qualify for home screening using a FIT Kit?  

You should do a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years if:

• You are between 50-74 years old.  
• You have not noticed any recent changes in your bowel habits (e.g., frequent diarrhea or constipation) or noticed blood in your stool (poop).
• You do not have a personal or family history (first-degree relative) of colorectal cancer or high- risk polyps. 
• You have not had a colonoscopy within the last 5 years or been referred for one recently. 
• You are not currently followed by an endoscopist.  

How do I get a Home Screening FIT Kit?

You can obtain a FIT kit in any of the following ways:

• Complete the online request form for a Home Screening FIT Kit
• Complete the printable request form for a Home Screening FIT Kit and submit it to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program by:
  • fax: (902) 370-5870
  • email: colcerscreening@ihis.org
  • mail: Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, 152 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown, PE  C1A 5P8
• Call 1-888-561-2233 (toll-free) or (902) 368-5901 to request a FIT kit be mailed to your home; or 
• Pick up a FIT Kit from a Health Centre, or from your doctor or nurse practitioner. 

What happens after I return the FIT Kit?

Your samples are mailed directly to Laboratory Services with Health PEI to be analyzed and the results are sent to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. The screening program will then forward the results to you and your primary care provider (if applicable). 

What does a normal (negative) test result mean?

A normal (negative) result means that blood was not found in your stool. However, if you are still between the ages of 50 to 74, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program will send you a reminder letter in two years to repeat the FIT. 

What does an abnormal (positive) test result mean?

An abnormal (positive) test means that blood may have been found in your stool. Do not panic, there are many reasons for blood being found in your stool. More testing is normally required to see where the blood is coming from. A Nurse Navigator from the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program will contact you about follow-up care. The usual follow-up test that is arranged is a colonoscopy. 

For more information about the colonoscopy, please visit the Endoscopy website.